India's first analog space mission kicks off at Leh in Ladakh

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council have collaborated in this endeavour.

Highlights:

• India’s first Mars and Moon analog mission was launched in Leh, Ladakh, with the goal of simulating an interplanetary habitat experience. This mission is a collaborative effort between:
  • ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre
  • AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd.
  • University of Ladakh
  • IIT Bombay
  • Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council
• This initiative aims to simulate extraterrestrial conditions on Mars and the Moon, providing critical data to support India’s future human spaceflight capabilities.

Mission Objectives and Habitat Design:

• The mission will last 21 days with an analog astronaut from AAKA Space Studio residing within a specially designed habitat. This habitat is intended to test various aspects of human-centered design essential for interplanetary living, focusing on both physical needs and psychological well-being.

Key features of the habitat include:

• Airlock and Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA) Zone: Dedicated for EVA preparations while maintaining habitat integrity.
• Circadian Lighting System: Simulates natural day-night cycles to support astronauts’ sleep-wake patterns.
• Hydroponics and Food Preparation Area: Enables sustainable fresh food production.
• Stand-Alone Power System: Utilizes renewable energy to ensure continuous power.
• Environmental Monitoring System: Tracks habitat conditions to maintain optimal functioning.

Unique Environmental Conditions of Ladakh for Testing:

• Ladakh was selected for its Mars- and Moon-like environment, making it an ideal site for testing habitat and life-support systems:
• Diurnal Temperature Shifts: Ladakh’s daily temperature swings (from 15°C to -10°C) mimic the thermal conditions found in extraterrestrial settings, allowing thermal insulation testing.
• High Altitude and Low Oxygen Levels: Located over 3,500 meters above sea level, Ladakh’s oxygen levels are 40% of those at sea level, providing a realistic testing ground for low-pressure life-support systems.
• Mars-like Soil Composition: The region’s sandy, rocky soil resembles Martian and lunar regolith, suitable for rover mobility research and in-situ resource utilization studies.

Importance of the Mission:

• The mission in Leh is expected to advance India’s human spaceflight aspirations by providing valuable insights into habitat sustainability, life-support efficiency, and human adaptation to isolation. This innovative mission marks a significant milestone in preparing India for potential human exploration of Mars and the Moon.

Prelims Takeaways

• Airlock and Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA) Zone